The National Agency for Food, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has banned the ‘Indomie Super Chicken’ flavour in Nigeria due to concerns over its safety.
The Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, cited the lack of clinical tests, registration, and production of the flavour in the country as reasons for the ban.
The agency has begun sampling and analyzing other Indomie noodle flavours and seasonings for the presence of ethylene oxide, a compound associated with an increased risk of cancer.
Adeyeye assured Nigerians that a thorough investigation of the products would be conducted at both factory and market levels, and the results would be made public.
“Indomie instant noodles products and other brands of noodles registered by NAFDAC for sale in the Nigerian market are manufactured in Nigeria and are only granted NAFDAC registration status following a strict regulatory regime covering all aspects of Good Manufacturing Practice.
“The Management of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC is aware of the recall of Indomie Instant Noodles ‘Special Chicken Flavour’ by the Ministries of Health in Malaysia and Taiwan on account of the alleged presence of ethylene oxide, a compound associated with an increased risk of cancer.
“NAFDAC, as a responsible and responsive regulator, is taking swift actions to carry out random sampling and analysis of Indomie noodles (including the seasoning) for the presence of ethylene oxide, as well as extending the investigation to other brands of instant noodles offered for sale to Nigerians.
“We use this medium to assure the public that a thorough investigation of the products will be conducted both at the factory and market levels and our findings will be communicated. The public is also hereby informed that the implicated Indomie Instant Noodles ‘Special Chicken Flavour’ is not registered by NAFDAC for sale in Nigeria.”
She also noted that noodles are on the Import Prohibition List of the Federal Government of Nigeria and are therefore not permitted for importation to Nigeria.
Article updated 2 months ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
